The fall-out over Rangers’ decision to boycott the February Scottish Cup tie continues to dominate Hotline punters’ thoughts.

Jim Ellis, Armadale , said: “Have Rangers pulled a master stroke by announcing they will donate their share of the Dundee United match to charities?

“If the authorities submit to Dundee United pressure and decide Rangers should not receive any gate money, the pressure would be on United to similarly donate the captured Rangers share to charity – effectively leaving them financially worse off.”

“Celtic fans will snap them up as I’m sure a lot of Hoops supporters might fancy a trip to Tayside for the possibility of seeing Rangers lose in the cup.”

John Griffin, Penicuik , said: “The SFA should have something in their rule book about the spirit of the game. If Rangers are unwilling to take part within the spirit of the game they should be asked to pull out of the competition.”

Ian McAllister, Banff , said: “Charles Green deserves great credit for giving all money due to Rangers to charity. This shows the calibre of the two chairmen as there was no such gesture from Steven Thompson whose badmouthing of Rangers contributed to the whole problem.”

Fraser Cameron, Perth , said: “I see Walter Smith is backing the Rangers supporters’ boycott. He has a short memory as he has a lot to thank Dundee United and Jim McLean for.”

Jim Coyle, Condorrat , said: “All Dundee United fans should boycott the game and make it a closed-doors match. That way Rangers would get 40 per cent of a big fat zero.”

By the way, Celtic are in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Joe Walker, Parkhead , said: “The making of Neil Lennon as a manager was losing the SPL title in Inverness. He said himself it wasn’t the end, it was just the beginning.

“His tactics have been spot-on in European matches. Lennon could become the most successful Celtic manager since Jock Stein.”

David Kenneth, Paisley , said: “I can’t praise Lennon highly enough. When you compare the budget of all Celtic’s Group G opponents to theirs, to qualify with 10 points in nothing short of miraculous.

“Celtic now have to get their domestic heads screwed on and win the Treble. I would give Lassad a decent run in the side.”

Robert McEwan, Glasgow , said: “Celtic have had enough bad luck in the Champions League and were due a turn. Samaras hasn’t dived, he’s been very clever to win the penalty.”

Craig Watson, Annbank , said: “Wednesday night proves how much Lennon has matured as Celtic manager. Gone are the days of charging on to the park at full-time to confront officials over contentious penalty decisions.”

Davy Cooper emailed: “The English will be going mental wondering how Celtic can make it through to the last 16 and two of their top clubs can’t. They will want a hastily-convened meeting of UEFA as clearly this current seeding policy is not working.”

Peter Webster, Forres , said: “Who is Kris Commons kidding when he says that no team in Europe will fancy a trip to Parkhead?

“Arbroath fancied it this season, as did Hibs, Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Inverness.”

Mick McCollie, Dumfries , said: “Samaras is no diver and anyway, it’s poetic justice for Celtic in the Champions League.

“Juventus striker Lorenzo Amoroso dived and cost us three points in out first Champions League match which cost us a place in the last 16.

“Arsenal’s Eduardo also dived to win a penalty and we lost that game. Celtic deserved some luck for once.”